Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and Citizens (MSCA and Citizens)

The MSCA and Citizens: European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions programme. The MSCA and Citizens call aims to bring research and researchers closer to the public through the European Researchers’ Night and the Researchers at Schools initiative, to increase awareness of research and innovation activities and to boost public recognition of science and research education.

What is the MSCA and Citizens programme?

MSCA and Citizens aims to bring research and researchers closer to the public at large, to increase awareness of research and innovation activities, and to boost public recognition of science and research education. It shows the role of the researcher in society and the economy, and the impact of researchers’ work on citizens’ daily lives, with a focus notably on families, pupils and students, and notably those who lack easy access to science.

The MSCA and Citizens action pursues this goal through European Researchers’ Night, the largest research communication and promotion event taking place across EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Alongside it, the Researchers at Schools initiative brings researchers into schools and other educational centres for direct interaction with pupils on societal challenges, so young people can learn first-hand about research projects and the priorities identified by the EU. Together they aim to heighten young people’s interest in science and research careers, to promote excellence research projects across Europe, and to build a better understanding of European Union policies. Gender balance, inclusiveness and Open Science are strongly encouraged throughout.

What does the funding cover?

Funding covers the expenses linked to organising the events, which can last up to two days. Associated pre-events and related post-events, such as wrap-up meetings or small-scale follow-up events, can also be supported, as can Researchers at Schools activities throughout the year. Activities are usually structured around four work packages: an awareness campaign, the activities during the Night, impact assessment, and management.

Who can apply?

The European Researchers’ Night can be organised by a single beneficiary or by several organisations constituting a partnership at regional, national or international level. Legal entities eligible for EU funding are those established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country, and the minimum condition is the participation of one legal entity. Typical participating organisations include research organisations (public or private), companies, public authorities, science museums, foundations and media organisations. Applicants can take part regardless of the level of their scientific background.

How to apply

Applications go through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. You can find open and forthcoming calls on the MSCA funding page,

More information on the application process.

MSCA and Citizens Call Overview

Subsidy: €100,000-300,000 per project

Budget: €15.71M

Funding rate: 100%

Deadlines: 22 October 2025 (2026 call); 8 June 2027 (2027 call)

Project duration: 1 year

Consortium: Participants can be any legal entity in the EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and/or if relevant, constitute a partnership at regional, national or international level.

Scope: European Researchers’ Nights are public events dedicated to bringing researchers closer to the public. They showcase the diversity of research and highlight the impact of research on our daily lives. The aim is also to motivate young people to embark on research careers. The events promote how researchers contribute to our society by displaying their work in an interactive and engaging forum.

Proposals under this Action should contribute to the following expected impacts:

• Enhance engagement with citizens on R&I;
• Increase awareness among the general public of the importance and benefits of R&I and its concrete impact on citizens’ daily life;
• Contribute to the diffusion and the promotion of excellence research projects across Europe and beyond;
• Raise the interest of young people in science and research careers;
• Contribute to a better understanding of the European Union policies and programmes among the general public;
• Support school teachers and educators in developing a scientific approach around priority topics and creating a learning opportunity for pupils through a direct interaction with researchers.

About MSCA

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Programme offers five different types of grants aiming to strengthen Europe’s research activities and innovation capacity by investing in researchers’ long-term careers. The programme, part of Horizon Europe, aims to set up different types of training networks (MSCA-DN) or training programmes (MSCA-COFUND), while other grants fund fellowships (MSCA-PF) and events (MSCA-NIGHT) to increase the popularity of science in society.

More about MSCA Work Programme.

About Catalyze

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